Laramie Man Pleads Not Guilty to Felony DUI Charge

Michael McDonald, 27, is charged with his fourth DUI within a 10 year period. He also pleaded not guilty Wednesday to a misdemeanor charge of driving while under suspension.

If convicted on both counts, McDonald could face up to seven years, six months of incarceration as well as $10,750 in fines.

According to a release from the Laramie Police Department, an officer went to the intersection of 5th and Park near Laramie’s Undine Park at 7:12 p.m. to investigate a call about an unconscious man slumped over in a silver Ford Taurus. The car was gone when the officer arrived.

Court documents say dispatch told the officer the car had left the scene. The officer soon found the vehicle and pulled it over in the 1600 block of Park.

According to the affidavit, McDonald told the officer he was pre-diabetic and had not eaten in a day and a half. The officer called EMS to check McDonald’s blood sugar.

While the ambulance was on its way, McDonald allegedly told the officer he drank beer about four hours earlier.

EMS reportedly determined that McDonald’s blood sugar was normal and his impairment was not the result of any diabetic complication. The affidavit says McDonald’s blood-alcohol concentration was .28 according to a breath sample.

McDonald is scheduled to stand trial Aug. 15-16. He remains free on bond.